"More than developing one particular sound of my own, I try to learn from each artist and match my intent to the very best of their ideas."
Angus has the rare ability to bring out the unique and creative sound of each performer and assist them in reaching a new level of creative expression. He draws from the perspective of a musician and recording/mix engineer in addition to the distinct position of holding a doctorate in psychology.
"I'm fascinated with psychoacoustics, especially the way elements of a song paint a picture…melody, counter melody, tempo, key, arrangement, the shaping of sound through particular gear and processing …They all sculpt the sound and add that magic that creates something uniquely amazing."
Angus uses a combination of outboard gear and plug-ins to sonically achieve "a measured coloration to add that last element of creativity."
Angus was first introduced to music by his father’s love for Johnny Cash and mother’s passion for classical music. "I remember building a go-cart with no wheels, but outfitted it with a radio. I didn't care that my cart wouldn't go...I sat in it for hours, listening to music." Spending summers in London, England during his teens also helped shape his musical interests. "My cousin introduced me to bands that were not on the radar in North America."
He had the typical piano lessons as well as a couple years of forgotten trumpet lessens, but it wasn't until moving to Vancouver in his teens that he got his first guitar. "I was told it was from 'a guy who knew a guy.' Looking back through less naive eyes, it was obviously stolen, but that guitar opened a whole new world to me."
Angus was faced with a decision of going to university or continue in a band. "I guess if the band had ended up going somewhere I'd have regrets, but it turned out to be the right choice." Angus again had to choose between graduate school and working as a first assistant in a recording studio. "I became really interested in the psychology behind the music." He admits to being envious of those engineers who worked their way up the studio ranks. "Not that I'd want to go back to getting someone tea and cleaning toilets, but there's something to be said for paying your dues. I play with the idea of going back to the start and apprenticing under someone really great, but for now I'm content to continue to work with great musicians."